Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS, Maple Fingerboard, Black Pickguard, Black

Squier Sonic Stratocaster HSS, Maple Fingerboard, Black Pickguard, BlackAll black with a maple neck the Sonic Strat HSS in this configuration has a sleek, no nonsense look that works on any stage. The HSS layout puts a humbucker in the bridge alongside two single coils, which is the most versatile pickup combination you can get on a Stratocaster style guitar. The bridge humbucker handles rock, metal, and higher gain tones without the thin, buzzy quality that single coils can have when distorted. Switch to the middle or

All black with a maple neck -- the Sonic Strat HSS in this configuration has a sleek, no-nonsense look that works on any stage. The HSS layout puts a humbucker in the bridge alongside two single-coils, which is the most versatile pickup combination you can get on a Stratocaster-style guitar.

The bridge humbucker handles rock, metal, and higher-gain tones without the thin, buzzy quality that single-coils can have when distorted. Switch to the middle or neck position and you're in clean Strat country -- sparkling, chimey tones with plenty of character. The maple fingerboard contributes brightness and pick attack, complementing the humbucker's warmth nicely. For a first guitar that covers the widest range of styles, the HSS layout is hard to argue against. This is a practical, great-sounding starter that looks sharp doing it.